Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
If you’re searching for an appetizer that never fails to impress and absolutely bursts with flavor, look no further than Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini. This stunning little bite combines sweet roasted butternut squash, tangy cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey atop crisp baguette slices, all sprinkled with fresh herbs for a finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering or want to elevate an ordinary night, this crostini is sure to become your new entertaining favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini lies in its fresh, vibrant ingredients. Every item plays a starring role: from the golden squash and luxurious goat cheese to pops of cranberry tartness and a final honeyed touch, you’ll love how easily this comes together while feeling truly special.
- Butternut squash: Choose a small one, peeled, seeded, and diced for sweet flavor and gorgeous color.
- Olive oil: Just a couple tablespoons help the squash caramelize perfectly in the oven.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors; don’t skip them!
- Baguette: Sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, it toasts up into the ideal crunchy base for your toppings.
- Goat cheese: Six ounces softened to creamy perfection makes spreading a breeze and delivers tangy richness.
- Dried cranberries: These bits of ruby-red brightness add chew, color, and a subtle tartness.
- Honey: Just a drizzle ties everything together with alluring sweetness and shine.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Bright and earthy, they pop against the sweet and savory backdrop.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a green garnish that adds freshness and looks lovely on a platter.
How to Make Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your diced butternut squash and spread it out on a baking sheet. Drizzle it all with olive oil and sprinkle on the salt and black pepper, giving everything a thorough toss to make sure every piece is coated. Spread the cubes into an even layer so they roast, not steam. Put the pan in the oven and let the squash roast for 20–25 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through, until they’re tender, golden, and just beginning to caramelize at the edges.
Step 2: Toast the Baguette Slices
While your squash is roasting, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on another baking sheet. Toast these in the same hot oven for 5–7 minutes. They should come out lightly golden and deliciously crisp, ready to hold their toppings without getting soggy. Let them cool ever so slightly before handling.
Step 3: Spread on the Goat Cheese
Once the baguette slices are cool enough to touch, grab your softened goat cheese and spread a generous layer over each one. The goat cheese should go on smoothly; if it’s still a bit firm, let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.
Step 4: Layer with Roasted Squash and Cranberries
Now the fun part! Top each goat cheese-smeared crostini with a few pieces of your roasted butternut squash. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the top—no need to be too precious, a little scatter looks pretty and means every bite is different and interesting.
Step 5: Finish with Honey, Thyme, and Parsley
Give your crostini the final flourish: lightly drizzle honey over the top, then add the fresh thyme leaves. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with chopped fresh parsley for extra color and a hint of herbal flavor. Arrange your Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini on a beautiful platter and get ready for lots of oohs and aahs!
How to Serve Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini
Garnishes
Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini shine with just a touch of extra love! Go classic with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for satisfying crunch and a nutty bite. A tiny drizzle more honey before serving looks stunning and brings all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
Pair these crostini with a fresh arugula salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or set them alongside a cozy soup like butternut squash or tomato basil for an inviting seasonal spread. They also complement any cheese or charcuterie board, adding interest and color to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini in neat rows on a wooden board, or fan them out in a circular pattern on a large platter for a more dramatic display. For parties, group them by color with other colorful appetizers, or place them in individual mini baskets for a charming touch at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to find yourself with extra Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini, store any assembled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread will soften a bit but the flavors remain lovely. For best results, assemble just what you’ll serve and store the components separately if you anticipate leftovers.
Freezing
While the crostini don’t freeze well once fully assembled (the bread gets soggy), the roasted butternut squash freezes beautifully. Store the cooled roasted squash in a freezer bag for up to two months. Defrost before assembling your next batch of crostini for a speedy start.
Reheating
If you want to bring your crostini back to room temperature or gently warm them, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This helps revive the toastiness and softens the goat cheese without drying everything out. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown!
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! While a crusty baguette is classic, ciabatta or sourdough make great alternatives. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up all the tasty toppings.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try whipped feta, ricotta, or even cream cheese. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture to these Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini.
Can I prepare any components in advance?
Yes! You can roast the butternut squash and toast the bread up to a day ahead, then assemble everything just before serving. This makes party prep a total breeze.
Are these crostini gluten free?
They aren’t gluten free as written, but you can simply use a gluten free baguette or bread of your choice to make this recipe perfect for everyone at your table.
How do I keep the crostini crispy if making ahead?
The secret is to keep the bread and toppings separate until just before serving. Store toasted bread in an airtight container at room temp and assemble your Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini right before your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
Bringing these Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini to your table is the easiest way to guarantee happy faces and empty plates. Each bite is a blend of creamy, sweet, tart, and savory—all wrapped up in a crisp package. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your signature appetizer!
Print
Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 crostini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini are a delightful appetizer perfect for any gathering. The combination of sweet roasted squash, tangy goat cheese, and tart cranberries on crispy baguette slices creates a burst of flavors in every bite. Easy to make and impressive to serve!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Butternut Squash:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 6 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast squash: Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- Toast baguette: Toast baguette slices in the oven until golden and crisp.
- Assemble crostini: Spread goat cheese on baguette slices, top with roasted squash, cranberries, honey, and thyme.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can make the roasted squash ahead of time and assemble the crostini just before serving.
- For added crunch, consider sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
